Awards and Criteria

Distinguished Clinical Fellow Award

This award honors a long-time clinical fellow (minimum 15 years as a practicing MFT) whose career has been marked by clinical wisdom, excellence, and significant contribution to the field of marriage and family therapy. The nominee must be a member of WAMFT and have been in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy and demonstrate contributions in at least three of the following areas:

Supervising or mentoring
Teaching or presenting/speaking in the field of MFT
Writing or editing in the field of MFT
Conducting MFT research
Significantly contributing to WAMFT leadership
Involved in the passing of critical legislative efforts that promote the practice of MFT in Washington State, nationally, or internationally
Making significant (preferably systemic) clinical contributions within a specific population or problem area

Supervisor of the Year Award This award honors an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor who demonstrates clinical and ethical excellence while fostering positive and strong relationships with supervisees and contributes to the future of the field by modeling inclusive, culturally responsive relationships and approaches. The nominee is committed to the core values of AAMFT and encourages students and associates toward MFT licensure and the practice of systemic therapy. All nominations for this award should include student or pre-clinical members’ perspectives about the nominee’s qualifications and experience. Students and pre-clinical members are strongly encouraged to nominate someone for this award.

Educator of the Year Award

This award honors an MFT faculty member who significantly contributes to the advancement of the field by effectively mentoring and training the next generation of marriage and family therapists and contributes to the future of the field by modeling inclusive, culturally sensitive relationships and approaches. In addition, this nominee demonstrates creative and innovative teaching abilities and fosters and maintains strong relationships with students. (Educators will be nominated by Program Directors/Departments)

Student Member of the Year Award

This award honors a current student who demonstrates exceptional academic and clinical excellence while offering unique contributions to their learning community. In the case of equally meritorious nominations, consideration will be given to those students who have demonstrated active participation in AAMFT and/or WAMFT.

Professional Member of the Year Award

This award honors a current associate or clinical fellow who demonstrates exceptional clinical excellence, innovative research, and emerging leadership skills in the MFT field. In addition, in the case of equally meritorious nominations, consideration will be given to those individuals who have demonstrated active participation in AAMFT and/or WAMFT.

WAMFT Volunteer of the Year Award

This award honors a WAMFT member who contributes to the association above and beyond the normal expectations of their volunteer responsibilities. Cumulative contributions by the member are considered along with the member’s service to WAMFT for the current year. Including volunteers in any capacity other than current WAMFT board members.

Diversity Award

This award honors a WAMFT member or an organization within our profession who demonstrates professional excellence and meets explicitly either or both of the following criteria. The nominee:

Is a member of a marginalized group in the field of Marriage/Couple & Family Therapy in terms of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or another status
Serves a marginalized client population that historically has not been well-served and included by the field of Marriage/Couple and Family Therapy.

Family Advocacy Award

This award honors an individual or organization outside of our profession who has served families in the state of Washington. Recipients of this award may include but are not limited to a politician, clergy member, educator, or community activist.